MB is perfectly good.   

Make sure the underlying surface is perfectly smooth.

Perfect, because now is the time to consider renting out both sides of the duplex while you begin to investigate your new single family home.How does this phase work?

In your imaginary perfect world what is the best case scenario ?

It won't be perfect, but I've had luck doing this in the past.

I'm usually willing to pay slightly more for the perfect home if I'm planing to live there but for investment I would say keep on trying.I typically try to offer on as many potential homes as I can and if 5-10% get accepted then so be it.5k over asking can be a lot or a little depending on how expensive of a home you are getting.

The subfloor will be secured and nails/staples will be removed, however, it will not be perfectly flat. 

Perfect location to downtown and to the main highway.

I found another place last night that would be perfect, and I emailed the broker (why does that never work?

I have listened to all the advice from everyone and even with doubt and not knowing the perfect way have figured much of it out along the way.